Senator O'Brien Announces Major Investment into Critical District Projects

Millions of Dollars for Local Projects Represents Initial Phase of Capital Budget Process

June 10, 2024

COLUMBUS—State Senator Sandra O'Brien (R-Ashtabula) announced the investment of millions of dollars from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund (OTSCIF) to support meaningful projects that will benefit our local communities and residents for years to come.

"Today's investment into our communities will ensure our children, families, and neighbors all receive the critical services they need to live fruitful lives," O'Brien said. "Incredibly, the funding from OTSCIF coming to our area is just the start of our process. I look forward to seeing how residents benefit."

The following are some of the projects awarded funding in Senate District 32:

Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Academy and Preschool, $1 million: Funds will support efforts to make energy and infrastructure improvements to create a strong learning environment for students.

Several improvements to public safety, including but not limited to: $2 million for the Hambden Fire Department to construct a new fire station;

$2.15 million for Cortland to develop a new state-of-the art training facility and complex that will house the City's fire, police, and administrative departments.

$1.25 million for Montville Township to build a new fire station to transition to a full-time department.

The funding for these projects came from the unique, one-time fund established under the state's current operating budget, House Bill 33, passed by the Ohio General Assembly in June of 2023.

The OTSCIF set aside $700 million as an additional source of funding allowing communities and organizations to apply for help with projects that might not qualify as part of the state's traditional Capital Budget that happens every two years.

Each chamber developed a plan for $350 million of the total amount while coordinating good faith negotiations to determine projects for the OTSCIF.

The Senate Finance Committee will begin hearings on the bill addressing the OTSCIF funding immediately. Click here for a list of projects and a link highlighting specific projects in senators’ districts. Follow On The Record for additional updates as the Capital Budget advances through the General Assembly.